Today’s Devotional Thought:
When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.’” (Psalms 75:3-5 ESV)
How often do we meditate on the power and sovereignty of God? Well, while praying through the Psalms, we confront this reality over and over again: God is God—and we’re not. He is in control—and we’re not. He is sovereign—and we’re not. He knows what he’s doing in the world—and we don’t. Therefore, God says, “When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.” And during COVID-19—when the earth seems to totter—God is the one who keeps it all steady . He is completely incontrol of what’s happening in the world.
Now meditating on the power and sovereignty of God can elicit a few different responses. 1) Some may begin to doubt the goodness of God. How could an all-powerful God allow this suffering and death? 2) Some may run away from God because all they see is his power, apart from his love and mercy in Christ. 3) But others see the complete power and control of God and are driven to awe and worship, overflowing in peace and joy.
And during this difficult time, I hope we will have this third response. When things seem dark and bleak, the power of God is a beacon. It is a profound source of peace, joy, and hope. After all, it’s not a cruel dictator with all power; it is the loving God of heaven. Therefore, in light of God’s sovereignty, power, and love, we make the same confession as the Apostle Paul:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)
Ways to Pray:
You are God—I am not. You are in control—I am not. You are sovereign—I am not. You know what you’re doing in the world—I don’t. Thank you for being in control!
Humble me with a glimpse of your sovereignty and power. Use this pandemic to humble me and my nation, O LORD.
Give me hope and peace, trusting that you’re in control and are working all for good.